E.L. "Junior" Gillenwater

E.L. “Junior” Gillenwater – Kingsport, TN

Emmitt Lee Gillenwater, Jr., known to most as Junior, 91, passed away, Friday, August 28, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center.

Junior was born in Midway, VA on March 26, 1935, and was the son of the late Emmitt Lee, Sr, and Lucy McKinley (Davidson) Gillenwater.

He attended First Freewill Baptist Church of Morrison City, Kingsport, TN.

Junior retired from American Flat Glass (AFG) and was a part of the Gate City Funeral Home family until his death where he made many valuable and lifelong friends.

He was also an enthusiast of old model classic cars.

In addition to his parents, his wife, Eula Dalphine (Lane) Gillenwater, son, Michael Lee Gillenwater, brothers, Clyde (Ruth) Gillenwater and Otis (Ruth) Gillenwater, sisters, Ina Elliott, Mallie Gillenwater Vermillion, and Zola Peters, and a nephew, Ron Elliott preceded him in death.

Surviving is his grandson, Chad Lee (Jennifer) Gillenwater, daughter-in-law, Connie Lee Gillenwater, great grandchildren, Deven Lee Gillenwater, Gracelynn Nichole Gillenwater, also in Chad and Jennifer’s household 7 year old Charlee Rogers. Stepson, Jeff (Debbie) Darnell, granddaughter, Kellie Darnell Coleman (Tim), great-grandchildren Ellanor Coleman, Rebekah Coleman, and Miles Coleman. Nieces and nephews, Bettie Barger, Joyce (Benny) Gill, Larry Wayne (Brenda) Gillenwater, who was a daily presence in Junior’s life and they could be considered best friends, Tony (Rhonda) Gillenwater, Terry (Kristi) Gillenwater, and Dan Elliott, great nieces and nephews, Mitzi Barger Wilson, Kendra Gill, Adam Gillenwater, Aaron Gillenwater, Tammie Willis, Shannon Elliott, Benjamin Gill, Shawn Gill, and Jeremiah Gillenwater, great great nieces and nephews ,Josh Wilson, Chase Gill, Noah Gillenwater, Abram Gillenwater, Arabella Gillenwater, Raylan Gillenwater, and Harlan Gillenwater , great great great nephews, Ridge and Shepherd Wilson, along with many friends and his church family.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Friday September 4, 2026, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel with Pastor Steven Miller officiating.

Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

An online guest register is available for the Gillenwater family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of E.L. “Junior” Gillenwater.